b'There is a unique kind of power that comes from deep collaboration between the right partners. In nature, mutualism is a system in which the association of different organisms or species has a net benefit for each partner. Once established, the association creates a positive feedback loop, in which each species doesnt just survive but thrives! Mutually beneficial partnerships are hardwired in BASAs DNA. As BASA celebrates 26 years of being, Sascha Polkey explores why this is the case.M utualism is borne out of BRING YOUR STRENGTHSbut the values must remain aligned to get challenges. The oxpeckerthere. Partners should be enabled to bring bird must find food andPartnerships are not meant to be equal intheir contribution into the project with the rhino is vulnerableterms of resources, skills, or assets. It is vitalease. Be clear about the purpose of the to parasites. When together, they providethat each partner brings something differentpartnership, stitch in common values and go! positive solutions for one another; theto the relationship to create a mutually oxpecker bird eats the invasive creaturesbeneficial outcome. It is in the gaps that the on the rhino; the rhino provides a safe andbenefits are born. Examine the gaps and look EVERYONE WINS constant source of food for the bird. Togetherfor partners who can fill them and be clear they thrive. about what you have to offer in return.Dont fight against nature; partnerships are Humanitys current set of challengingformed out of a need or gap and work best global circumstances has sharpened ourwhen everyone wins. Remain focused and search for solutions. Rapid change and BE WILLING TO CHANGEtransparent about the intention in order multiple societal, economic, and ecologicalto draw the route between problem and threats will either polarise us further orThe greatest cause for failure in partnershipssolution. Once the partnership no longer foster greater co-operation. What is evidentis the inability to adapt. The instinct toworks, close a chapter with gratitude and is that both are happening at the same time.seek complementary partners must bemove on. This is real growth; everything has While gathering together against the stormaccompanied by a willingness to learn fromits time. seems logical, times of uncertainty can alsoeach other, to evolve working styles, take heighten distrust and spur the impulse toinsights on board, and shape somethingOver the years, some of our repeat,hoard or laager with groups that feel familiarnew in order to thrive. In a changeablelong-term BASA Award winners and finalists and non-threatening. Scarcity can lead tocontext, this is challenging terrain. Mosthave been those that have mastered the imbalancesthose with resources ring- organisations are doubling down on theirart of partnerships. Symbiotic relationships fence their assets and flex their power. Atcore business and prioritising the bottomthat stand out include Spier Arts Trust the same time, the pandemic has fostered aline. Dont be tempted to stay rigid whenand Nandos; Standard Bank and the new sense of care. The mental health crisischange is calling.National Arts Festival; Absa and the Klein sweeping through society has made us allKaroo Kunstefees; Strauss & Co Fine Art get real about the impact of our personalAuctioneers and Bag Factory Artists lives at work. The focus on the survival of VALUES ARE THE GUIDEStudiosthe list goes on. people and planet has meant that wereIn all cases, the partners have had one seeking truth and authenticity and rapidlyThe work of a relationship is alwayscommon goal and teams who have been abandoning structures that no longer servegrounded in shared values and increasinglywilling to nurture the relationship, adapt to us. Its not easy to find common groundin shared purpose. As new partners findthe needs of the project and facilitate the when its moving beneath your feet, butthe building blocks of their work together,changing priorities and context. The reward our willingness to work together to find ait is vital that values are agreed to deliveris a dependable, impactful relationship that o f p a r t n e r s h i proadmap out of our polycrisis is essential. Itthe project as seamlessly as possible. Thehas unlocked the DNA and can use it to is in the DNA of partnership that surviveoutcome can be different for each partner,weather the storm.SQUAREbecomes thrive.At BASA we have worked to understand and harness partnership for 26 years. The terms of those partnerships may have changed and the motivation for having themSASCHA POLKEY (She/Her) works in the fields of creativity, social has certainly evolved but there are some coreentrepreneurship and change management. Her experience includes principles that remain the same.communications and content curation for Infecting the City, theSpier Contemporary Biennale, Badilisha Poetry X-Change, City Hall Concerts, the Cape Town Fringe, the National Arts Festival,Sunshine Cinema and Wikimedia amongst others. She is passionate about simplifying the complex to ignite imagination and attention for the positive and vital role that the creative sector plays in society. What binds us Image: Pawel Czerwinski5'